Chicago O'Hare International Airport is currently in the process of a long-term US$6.6 billion (£4 billion) modernization process that is planned to reduce delays and generally improve operational efficiency. Work involves realigning the runways and completing a major redevelopment of Terminal 5.

Driving directions

The airport lies on Interstate 190. To reach Interstate 190 from central Chicago, take Interstate 90 northbound/westbound. From the north and south suburbs, take Interstate 294 south or northbound, respectively. From the west suburbs, take Interstate 88 eastbound, then Interstate 294 northbound.

Car rental

Most major car rental companies are represented at the airport, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Desks for these agencies are located on the lower level near baggage claim in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Many companies at the airport run free shuttle buses to pick-up and drop-off areas. There are no car rental companies in Terminal 5, although courtesy telephones are available on the lower level of the terminal and there is a car rental information kiosk for reservations.

Public transport and taxis

Bus: PACE buses (www.pacebus.com) 250 and 330 serve the airport from the ATS "Kiss ‘n’ Fly" stop at Lot E. Bus 250 terminates at Evanston to the north of the city, and bus 330 serves the western suburbs. Connections to the city center are available along both routes. There are a number of regional services available from the airport. The Bus and Shuttle Center is located on the ground level of the multistory parking garage. This is the pick-up point for most bus, shuttle, and regional services, including hotel courtesy buses. Regional buses also depart from Lot D, opposite Terminal 5.Shuttle: GO Airport Express shuttle buses (tel: (888) 284 3826; www.airportexpress.com) depart from all terminals for central Chicago and northern destinations. There is also an hourly shuttle and coach service to Midway Airport (tel: 1 877 324 7767; www.coachusa.com/wisconsincoach).Taxi: There are taxi ranks outside the arrivals area of each terminal (travel time: 30–45 minutes to central Chicago; fares: around US$40).Light rail: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) (tel: 1 888 968 7282; www.transitchicago.com) runs the 24-hour "El" service to central Chicago (travel time: 45 minutes; fare: US$2.25). The CTA station is located on the lowest level of the main multistory parking garage at Terminals 1, 2, and 3 (accessible from Terminal 5 on the ATS system).Rail: Metra North Central commuter trains serve destinations in Lake County and northern Cook County, with five daily inbound and outbound trains between Antioch and Chicago Union Station. The station at the airport is situated near the remote long-term parking lots and is on the ATS system.

Car parking

A multistory parking garage (Lot A) and additional ground-level parking lots (Lots B and C) are directly opposite the terminals. Hourly, daily, and valet parking are available in these facilities. Lot D offers hourly and daily parking opposite Terminal 5. There are also two parking lots available for long-term parking— Lots E and G. Lot E is connected to the ATS rail system connecting all terminals, and both lots are linked to the terminals by free shuttle buses. In addition, there is a "cellphone lot" on the site for those picking up arriving passengers. General parking information is available 24 hours a day (tel: (773) 686 7530).

Information and help desks

Information desks (tel: (773) 686 2200) are available in Terminals 1, 3, and 5. Multilingual staff are on hand to provide information and assist passengers with directions, 24 hours a day. Two Travelers Aid booths are located in Terminal 2.

Airport Facilities

Money: There are full-service banks, ATMs, and bureau de change facilities within the terminals.Communications: Public telephones are plentiful. Both paid and free Wi-Fi access is offered within the terminals. There are "power stations" for recharging laptops and mobile phones at various points in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.Food: There is a huge variety of restaurants, bars, fast-food outlets, and cafés in the departure areas of all terminals. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 have coffee shops before security screening, while Terminal 5 has more choice, with fast-food outlets, bars, and a restaurant in the public concourse.Shopping: There are numerous shops in Terminals 1, 2, and 3, including bookshops, sunglasses stores, and candy shops. Terminal 5 has less choice, with one gift shop and various newsstands the only options other than duty-free shops. Duty-free shopping is available in each terminal.Luggage: Luggage trolleys are available in all terminals. Lost property desks staffed by the Chicago Police Department (tel: (773) 686 2385) are located on the upper levels of each terminal.Other facilities: Among the other facilities at Chicago O’Hare International Airport are a medical center (tel: (773) 894 5100), AED units (defibrillators), baby-changing facilities, children’s play areas, and a 24-hour interfaith chapel.

Conference and business facilities

There is a business center and extensive meeting facilities at the Hilton O'Hare Airport in Terminal 2 (tel: (773) 686 8000; www3.hilton.com), which also provides fax, photocopying, and packing and shipping services. The Laptop Lane (tel: (773) 894 3100) in Terminal 1 offers workstations with computers, Internet access, fax, printing, IDD telephones, and laptop connections. Individual airlines have dedicated lounges, which can be used by business travelers with loyalty cards.

Disabled facilities

Facilities for the disabled include accessible toilets, ramps and elevators, escorted wheelchair services, TTY telephones, visual paging for hearing-impaired passengers, and Braille buttons in elevators. The ATS system is fully accessible, with elevators provided at each of the five stops, and other public transport services are available for disabled travelers. Assistance within the airport can be arranged in advance for Terminal 1 (tel: (773) 601 3398), Terminal 2 (tel: (773) 985 0059), and Terminals 3 and 5 (tel: (773) 686 7561). Information representatives can provide assistance to hearing- and vision-impaired travelers. Adapted rental cars can be provided with two or three days' notice. Disabled parking facilities are provided for badge holders. Disabled passengers are requested to confirm any special needs with their airline four days in advance.

Airport hotels

The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport hotel at Terminal 2 is the only hotel at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Numerous other local hotels can be reached by phoning for a courtesy shuttle bus from the arrivals areas.

Hilton Chicago O'Hare AirportThe Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport is located within the airport at Terminal 2. The hotel offers a range of dining options and is close to various entertainment venues. O'Hare International Airport Chicago, Illinois 60666, USA Tel: (773) 686 8000. Web: www3.hilton.com

Intercontinental Chicago O’HareA few minutes from the airport, Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare offers well-appointed rooms and suites as well as three restaurants, a fitness center, and a wide range of business services. 5300 North River Road Rosemont, Illinois 60018, USA Tel: (847) 544 5300. Web: www.ichotelsgroup.com